Synchronosophy, Glossary part 1
Faculties, Functions & Essences
I like good strong words that mean something.
〰 Louisa May Alcott 〰
videoclip © Engin Akyurt
In my parallel substack channel Synchronosophy: a Rough Guide to the Feral Side of Life, I am introducing a map of human Consciousness as a living organism, called the Noctarine. This map was conceived in a world, a far cry from familiar theories about ‘consciousness as a phenomenon’, born in the minds of theorists settled in the ivory towers of anthropocentric ideology.
The Noctarine revealed another worldview ~ a paradigm not entirely unknown, but largely forgotten (or denied) by the Anthropocene.
To translate this other paradigm into contemporary everyday life, we need a new language::: New words ~ or familiar words redefined ~ with their respective explanations. To avoid clogging up the chapters of Synchronosophy with words and interpretations, I am introducing these new verbionts here, in the wildwordwoods of Symbiopædia.
The first set of words introduced in the Noctarine appear in the Web of Consciousness as illustrated right here:::
Symbiopædia ~ this biotope for wild words ~ is dedicated to cultivating a new language for the Symbiocene. In the same breath, the discipline and practice of Synchronosophy is dedicated to cultivating new relationships for the Symbiocene ~ beginning with the relationship to oneself.
As a map of the inner landscape of human Consciousness, the Noctarine can be illustrated in infinite figures and shapes. One of the formats I’ve shown so far in the Heartwood of Synchronosophy is a Web of Consciousness, in which each of the 8 Faculties ~ the vital organs of this living organism ~ contribute one category of autonomous properties.
Before we take a closer look at the properties, let’s get to know the Faculties themselves. The words will, soul, inspiration, intuition, imagination, instinct, intellect, and body sound very familiar.
In the Noctarine all of them take on a whole new meaning. They become vital organs of this living organism we call individual human Consciousness (IHC).
IHC is not the same as the ‘phenomenon produced by the human brain’ (small c consciousness), which neuroscientists are hoping to find by prodding at the mush in the human skull. IHC is effectively the totality of who we are, a living human organism, which we can access and explore ourselves through subjective experience.
The Noctarine is a map to help us navigate this unknown territory, Synchronosophy is the discipline to help us interpret the map, and this Glossary right here is part of the legend which helps us to read the map.
To differentiate between the familiar anthropocentric definitions, and the new interpretations we use in the context of Synchronosophy, we always write these Faculties with capital initials:
Will, Soul, Inspiration, Intuition, Imagination, Instinct, Intellect, Body.
Faculties ~ the vital organs of the organism of human Consciousness
A life without some faculties is always full of difficulties.
〰 Mokokoma Mokhonoana 〰
Will ~ The 1st Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, The Will is defined as the Consciousness of willingness, willpower, and purpose.
The Will is the first of the voluntary, masculine Faculties in the Noctarine. He carries the title Inner Wizard, indicating his gifts and contributions within the Council of Inner Wisdom.
In anthropocentric language, will is defined as the power of volition; a mental faculty by which humans make decisions, take action, make a wish, express a desire and pursue an intention. It is understood explicitly as “the power of control over one's own actions or emotions.” Will can be synonymous with determination, control, self-command, self-governance etc.
In the symbiocentric language of Synchronosophy, Will is understood as a vital organ. Known as the Inner Wizard, he can take on features and expressions of a living being, who represents the interests of the whole organism of Consciousness. Will does not dominate or control the other Faculties but supports the totality of the Council of Inner Wisdom with his unique gifts.
[From Latin volo = to wish, desire, covet; determine, conclude; assume, claim, have an opinion; prefer; command.]
Soul ~ The 2nd Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Soul is defined as the Consciousness of wholeness, identity and essence.
The Soul is the first of the autonomous, feminine Faculties in the Noctarine. She holds the title Inner Sovereign, indicating her position in the Council of Inner Wisdom.
In anthropocentric language, soul is defined as the the immaterial essence, or immortal aspect of a human being. Merriam Webster refers to the soul as “the moral and emotional nature of humans” or the “spiritual principle embodied in human beings.” Synonyms for Soul can be spirit, psyche, quintessence, being.
In Synchronosophy, Soul is understood as a vital organ. Known as the Inner Sovereign, she can be met as a living being in her own right. Soul does not rule the other Faculties or exert power over them in the anthropocentric sense. In her power as the Inner Sovereign, Soul grants every individual human sovereignty over themselves.
The Inner Sovereign makes an essential contribution to the integrity of the whole through her inseparable connection to the more encompassing worldsoul, the soul of the universe, and the soul of collective Consciousness.
[From Gothic saiwala and referring to the innermost, spiritual essence of the human being. Often equated with highest truth, purity, infinite wisdom, immortality, life force and the divine spark.]
Inspiration ~ The 3rd Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Inspiration is defined as Consciousness of resources, potential and ingenuity.
The Inspiration is the second voluntary, masculine Faculty in the Noctarine. The title Inner Genius reveals his unique talent. His place in the Council of Inner Wisdom is indispensable for regeneration, renewal and nurturing the growth of human Consciousness.
In anthropocentric language, inspiration has two meanings. One is the inbreath or inhalation. The other relates to receiving ‘a breath of fresh air’ in the figurative sense. As synonyms, Merriam Webster lists, incentive, motivation, stimulation, ingenuity, creativity, imagination, inventiveness. In a religious context, inspiration is understood as “a divine influence” whereby a person can “receive and communicate sacred revelation.” Another definition is “the act of influencing or suggesting opinion.”
In Synchronosophy, Inspiration is the Inner Genius. Like all Faculties, he can be seen as a living creature, which means, we can communicate with him in his own language, and he gives us access to our own ingenuity, which is our birthright.
In the Anthropocene inspiration is associated with a special talent, reserved for unusually gifted humans. It is revered as a relatively inaccessible feature of the human mind, over which the individual has little control.
In Synchronosophy, Inspiration is a vital organ which can be activated if it has been dormant through lack of interaction.
[From Latin inspiro, literally meaning to breathe in.]
Intuition ~ The 4th Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Intuition is defined as Consciousness of direction, mystery and loyalty.
The Intuition is the second autonomous, feminine Faculty in the Noctarine. Her title Inner Guardian reflects the importance of her position in the Council of Inner Wisdom as a protector and guide.
Merriam Webster defines intuition as “the power or faculty of attaining to direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference.” This mental faculty is understood as ‘immediate apprehension or cognition’ ~ a kind of ‘psychic knowledge’ received while bypassing the rational mind. Synonyms for intuition are instinct, sixth sense, gutfeeling, premonition, foreboding.
In Synchronosophy, Intuition is the Inner Guardian. We can communicate with her ~ in her own language ~ to receive specific inner knowledge, which is inaccessible to the rational mind (which is true for all Faculties, apart from the Intellect).
[From Latin intueor, meaning to look at, observe, watch, admire, consider.]
Imagination ~ The 5th Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Imagination is defined as Consciousness of playfulness, resources and dreaming.
The Imagination is the third voluntary, masculine Faculty of the Noctarine. His title Inner Artist refers to his gifts of creativity in any form of expression, including visual imagery, storytelling, performance, simulation and projections.
In anthropocentric language, imagination is the ability to create mental images which are not visible in reality. Imagination is associated with creativity, fantasy, daydreaming, illusion, and can be used interchangeably with inspiration, inventiveness, ingenuity.
In Synchronosophy, Imagination is the Inner Artist. He views the world in the form of images, compositions, and stories and communicates via a broad palette of different media, including visions, sounds, movement, and any other form of creative espression, i.e. beyond mental imagery.
[From Latin imago meaning picture, portrait, image, mask; shadow, echo, illusion, vision, hallucination, imagination, apparition, appearance; presentation, aspect, sight; simile, metaphor, likeness.]
Instinct ~ The 6th Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Instinct is defined as Consciousness of vibration, harmony and moods.
The Instinct is the third autonomous, feminine Faculty of the Noctarine. The title Inner Healer captures her crucial role for restoration and maintenance of inner balance and wellbeing.
In anthropocentric language, instinct is regularly confused with intuition, if referring to a mental faculty. It is also used as a physical impulse or natural reflex. Instinct is closely linked with physical activity, as in mother instinct, or survival instinct. Another definition refers to “behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level.” Synonyms are impulse, urge, drive. Instinct is generally seen as an inferior phenomenon which needs to be controlled by the intellect and will.
In Synchronosophy, Instinct is the Inner Healer, which makes communication with her essential for our health at all levels ~ emotional, mental, and physical. The messages of the Instinct are highly valued and respected as vital signals to help us maintain and restore inner balance.
[From Latin instigo, meaning to instigate, stimulate, incite, excite.]
Intellect ~ The 7th Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Intellect is defined as Consciousness of polarity, logic, and comprehension.
The Intellect is the fourth voluntary, masculine Faculty of the Noctarine. His title Inner Expert is a reference to his capacities of discernment, assessment, and understanding
In the Anthropocene intellect is interpreted as the highest faculty of the mind, following Cartesian theories. Intellect is associated with rationality and “the capacity for knowledge.” Intellectual knowledge is associated with intelligence, mastery, reason, discernment, judgment, common sense, and mental brilliance.
In Synchronosophy, Intellect is the Inner Expert. He doesn’t operate independently, nor is he viewed superior to other Faculties. In fact, he cannot fulfill his functions or make any intelligent contribution without the collaboration of all other Faculties.
[From Latin intellego, meaning to perceive, discern, understand, grasp, notice, recognise, comprehend.]
Body ~ The 8th Faculty of human Consciousness in the Noctarine. In Synchronosophy, the Body is defined as the Consciousness of evidence, boundaries, and agency.
The Body is the fourth autonomous, feminine Faculty of the Noctarine. Her title Inner Ally is a reminder that she is always doing her best to support the organism of human Consciousness.
In the Anthropocene body doesn’t figure as an aspect of consciousness at all. Body is our physical structure. The physical organism, which is a kind of ‘hardware’ while the mind with its faculties is the ‘software’. Body and mind are regarded as ‘polar opposites’.
In Synchronosophy we acknowledge that the Body not only has consciousness. Body is a manifestation of Consciousness. Since we know that matter doesn’t exist, the only difference between Body and the other vital Faculties is the form of physical expression, which offers unique tools to operate in material reality.
[from old English bodig, "trunk of a man or beast; the whole physical structure of a human or animal; material frame, material existence of a human]
Functions of the Vital Faculties of Human Consciousness
The proper function of man is to live.
〰 Jack London 〰
Each Faculty contributes a unique type of autonomous properties to the web of human Consciousness. The Body provides the category of Functions, as explained below.
Initiator ~ Function of the Will. The Initiator has the power to start new processes in the inner universe. The Will initiates and initialises events and information.
[From Latin ineo, meaning to enter, go in, begin, start; make an agreement, commit oneself. The Latin root initio, means to introduce, consecrate.]
Integrator ~ Function of the Soul. The Function of the Soul protects and maintains the integrity of the organism of human Consciousness. She enables us to integrate fragmented aspects into the wholeness, which is ultimately incorruptible.
[From Latin term integer meaning untouched, pure, immaculate, incorruptible, flawless, fresh, new, free. The Latin verb intego means to cover, protect.]
Scanner ~ Function of the Inspiration. This Faculty supplies Consciousness with curiosity and inquisitiveness. The Inner Genius comes up with questions and scans the environment for matching answers. The scanning Function of the Inspiration is comparable with focused gazing. It is specific and open simultaneously.
[from Latin scando, meaning to rise, climb, elevate, ascend; protrude, jump out.]
Tutor ~ Function of the Intuition. As the Tutor the Intuition offers guardianship and guidance in all situations of life. The Intuition also provides education in the format of everyday ‘lessons’. The curriculum of the Tutor includes guidance, exercise, prophecy temptation, protection, clairvoyance/-audience, and examination.
[From Latin tueor, meaning to look at, observe, gaze at, view, regard, watch over, protect, defend, nurture, sustain. The Latin noun tutor means keeper, guardian, protector.]
Projector ~ Function of the Imagination. This Faculty has the ability to project visions, dreams, stories and visualisations onto an internal mental screen in various formats. The Function of the Inner Artist also includes projection in the psychological sense, i.e. the attribution of one's own feelings, or attitudes to other people or objects. Projection enables human Consciousness to use our environment as a mirror, and to resolve difficult experiences through stories and/or creative pursuits.
[from Latin proicio, meaning to throw out, throw away, thrust outward; protrude, emerge, stand out; reproach, accuse, object; give up, despise.]
Sensor ~ Function of the Instinct. The Sensor is the inbuilt human alarm system. The Instinct picks up any disturbance or incoherence anywhere in the inner universe and the outer environment. The tasks of the Sensor include transmitting signals related to any interference to the host of human Consciousness (= ourselves). Whenever such signals cannot be adequately dealt with, the Sensor stores them in an inner archive. We (the hosts of our own Consciousness) typically experience this as a kind of memory bank for unprocessed negative emotions.
[From Latin sensus, meaning sensation, impression, perception; sense; consciousness, awareness; feeling, disposition, sentiment, mood; understanding, judgment, opinion, thought, reason; meaning, significance, content.]
Processor ~ Function of the Intellect. The Processor enables human Consciousness to gather, separate, select, and split information with the aim to define, interpret and make sense of anything that happens in the inner and outer universe, in order to reach understanding. Another main task of the Intellect is to process information to an intelligible degree, to facilitate communication between organisms of human Consciousness.
[from Latin procedo, meaning to go forward, move ahead, proceed; appear, emerge; move on, make progress, succeed, make headway; persist, endure.]
Monitor ~ Function of the Body. The Monitor provides a permanent feedback loop of information between the outer and the inner worlds. The Monitor broadcasts the actual physical experience of the individual as a live reality show. The Monitor also enables us (= hosts of our own Consciousness) to watch ourselves as we operate in the outer world, serving as a kind of mirror.
[From Latin moneo, meaning to remind, advise, warn, instruct.]
Essences of the Vital Faculties of Consciousness
Essence of any creature encompasses more than one realm.
〰 Toba Beta 〰
The Essences are the autonomous properties provided by the Soul. Each Essence contributes one specific guiding principle. Four of the Essences are based on wholeness, the other four focus on togethering.
The essences also capture the quiddity of each Faculty ~ the whatness that makes them different from one another.
Holopoiesis ~ [from Greek holos = whole + poiēsis = making, composing, bringing into being] composing wholeness. The Essence of the Will. Holopoiesis tells us that the Will is essentially designed to compose wholeness.
Holonoia ~ [from Greek holos = whole + noia = knowing] the knowledge of wholeness. The Essence of the Soul. Holonoia indicates that the knowledge of wholeness is encoded within the Inner Sovereign.
Syntropy ~ [from Greek syn = together + tropos = change, turning] turning together. The Essence of the Inspiration. Syntropy is the opposite of entropy (= loss of energy of a dynamic system, general trend towards degeneration). The principle of syntropy implies that diversity nurtures regeneration and thriving within a living system. Regeneration through unexpected turns is the essential skill of the Inner Genius.
Holonomy ~ [from Greek holos = whole + nomos = law] the laws of wholeness. The Essence of the Intuition. Holonomy implies that the Intuition knows the laws of wholeness and ensures that the organism of Consciousness applies those laws. Following the laws of wholeness is the essential wisdom of the Inner Guardian.
Syntopia ~ [from Greek syn = together + topos = place] a place for living together. The Essence of the Imagination. Syntopia means not only being together in the same place. It implies living and thriving together. Syntopia is the place where the Symbiocene finds its natural home. The Inner Artist holds the essential knowledge of Syntopia as a guiding principle.
Holopathy ~ [from Greek holos = whole + pathos = suffering, feeling, passion] the passions of wholeness. The Essence of the Instinct. Holopathy indicates that the Instinct is tuned into the feelings of the organism. She picks up signs of suffering anywhere in the system, in any Faculty. Vice versa, when the Instinct gives expression to feelings, the entire organism is involved. The knowledge of wellbeing of the whole organism is imprinted in the Inner Healer.
Synopsis ~ [from Greek syn = together + opsis = sight] seeing all at once. The Essence of the Intellect. Synopsis provides the ability to see a wide range of details all gathered at once. Seeing and comprehending all together is the quiddity of the Inner Expert.
Synergy ~ [from Greek syn = together + ergos = work] working together. The Essence of the Body. Synergy refers to the emergence of qualities or behaviour of organisms (or systems) which can not be predicted by the separate parts. The Faculties are designed to collaborate, so the whole organism becomes more than the sum of its agents. The knowledge of collaboration of all Faculties is literally embodied within the Inner Ally.
Thank you Veronika! I’ll read this over many times. I need the poster! I’ll print it out and feel into it. This helps me dive deeper. Something beyond my bones calling out to the familiar. Bless you! We need you. 🙏❤️
Thank you, Veronika for discussing true Inspiration and Imagination, among what makes us Human. One point and a story. Our Imagination can lay dormant for years, as mine was, and then reawaken when the Intellect and the Will are working together in harmony. This happened to me in 1993, but looking back it was initiated before then
A quick story. Yesterday, I was at a large luncheon and I mentioned to the person to my right my story about transitioning from engineering to writing and the Arts. He was amazed that someone could switch to what seems like completely opposite streams. He was equally puzzled how I could achieve it. I told him it was equal parts Inspiration, Imagination and Will.
Moreover, knowing that he was unhappy in his chosen profession, I said to him anyone could do the same. This is always true; the fear of failure prevents people But this is another topic.
I want to also thank you for this wonderful and exciting essay, because you have revived my interest in language and the Greek origins and roots of so many words we use today.